What Are Lasers And How Do They Work?
The word LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation and this laser technique can be used to treat many skin imperfections where laser skin resurfacing is considered best in treating such conditions. It directs short, concentrated beams of light in pulse form at the irregular skin part. With lasers you can treat a variety of skin concerns, including acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, pigmentation etc.
The top layer of the dermis and the skin's surface are the primary targets of laser resurfacing treatments. During the process regulated heat is used to gently remove the top layer of skin, revealing the new layer beneath. One of the most significant benefits of laser skin resurfacing is that it can be tailored to the patient's unique needs, focusing on specific skin regions to improve skin tone and elasticity.
There is a line between aesthetic treatment and medical treatment which is fading. An aesthetician can make your skin look better superficially but a certified skin specialist will suggest you any treatment post diagnosing the actual problem. If you are allowing a technician or aesthetician to treat your skin using a laser, you might face the consequences that could be as severe as burning your healthy tissues.
Aesthetician’s aren't medical practitioners who have medical expertise in giving balanced wavelengths and energies. This requires a lot of precision to perform the procedure else laser as a fact can cause burns, hypo or hyper pigmentations if not handled properly. So, if you need resurfacing laser treatment, you should go to board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists who have experience in performing laser skin treatments. They'll be able to give you expert medical advice whether you are a good candidate for laser treatment or not. They can also explain and counsel you, how the treatment works and assist you in setting realistic goals and managing your expectations.
Types of Lasers
In laser skin treatments, the types of lasers most commonly used are Carbon Laser and Erbium Laser. The carbon dioxide laser, often known as the CO2 laser, removes skin in small layers with minimal thermal damage to the surrounding tissues. CO2 laser can treat acne scars, wrinkles and even warts. The recovery period is usually two weeks long. The Erbium laser, on the other hand is used to surface level and medium deep fine lines and wrinkles as it doesn't penetrate deeply into the
Fractional laser skin resurfacing is a modern method that targets a fraction of the skin at a time to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. It works on all skin types and is ideal for the age group between 25-60yrs. Fractional laser therapy has evolved as a bridge between ablative and non-ablative laser treatments. Non-ablative laser treatments work entirely on the mid-layer of skin, while ablative laser treatments focus primarily on the surface skin cells. Fractional laser treatment affects both the top and bottom layers of the skin. Infact, in comparison to Erbium, fractional CO2 laser penetrates deeper into the skin and gives best results in just a single sitting in most of the cases.
Recovery and results
The majority of people who get laser skin treatments are happy with the results because the downtime is minimal with substantial improvements. The complete outcomes of the procedures may take four to six months depending on the skin issue. The sessions may need to be repeated in gaps for several months after the initial therapy in some cases. When performed by an experienced, certified healthcare practitioner, laser skin treatment is generally a safe process.
Takeaway
Be informed; there are n numbers of aesthetic clinics that attract people with lucrative offers and fancy treatment names. But, how effective are these laser treatments for your skin condition and what is the outcome and assurance that your problem will be treated and there will be no side effects? Also, the laser treatment in such centers are not always done by a certified dermatologist. So, don’t just go to any center. Let the medical expert diagnose your skin problem and determine whether or not Laser is appropriate for you.
Remember, lasers may or may not suit you. On the basis of your problem and skin condition, a dermatologist can guide you with the right advice which can be in the form of medication or therapies.
